The female may be examined either standing or lying down, though the recumbent position is best, except in certain displacements of the womb, when it is most likely to be thrown into a position in which the neck can easily be reached by the female standing. The position of the neck is very different in many of these displacements, and during pregnancy, to what it is in the ordinary state, and a person not acquainted with these changes might frequently be much puzzled to find it. As we have already remarked, also, there are certain differences between those who have had children and those who have not. The following three diagrams represent the changes just spoken of at three different periods:-- PLATE XIV. _Figure 1_, represents the form and size of the body, neck, and mouth of the Womb, at about the third month. _Figure 2_, the same at about the seventh month. _Figure 3_, the same at the ninth month. The references are the same in all. _a._ The Neck of the Womb.--_b. b._ The Body of the Womb.--_c._ The Os Tincæ, or Mouth of the Womb.--_d. d._ The cut edges of the Vagina. [Illustration: Fig. 1. Fig. 2. Fig. 3. Plate XIV. The form and size of the body, neck, and mouth of the Womb, at about the third, seventh and ninth months.] It will readily be seen by these diagrams that the alterations in the neck and mouth of the womb are very marked, and of a character easily to be ascertained by the touch. These three should be compared with the section of the womb in Plate IV, which represents it in the unimpregnated state. The difference between those who have borne children, and those who have not, is well represented in Plate XV,--the drawings being one-third of the natural size, and representing the appearance at about three months. [Illustration: PLATE XV. Primipara, or the first Pregnancy. Woman who has borne children before. _a. a._ The neck of the Womb.--_b. b. b._ The body of the Womb.--_c._ The Os Tincæ, or mouth of the Womb.--_d. d._ The cut edges of the Vagina.--_e_. The Fœtus.--_f. f._ The Fallopian Tubes, Ovaries, and Round Ligaments.--_g._ The Placenta.] Most of the changes produced can be readily distinguished by the finger, after seeing this representation, and making a proper comparison between it and the natural state in Plate IV. The Neck is not much enlarged at this period, but its lower part is somewhat soft to the feeling. The Os Tincæ is more _rounded_ than in the unimpregnated state, particularly in the Primipara, in whom in fact it is nearly circular, the lips being quite smooth and closed. In the female who has already borne children it is somewhat open, so that the finger may often be introduced; and the lips feel rough, owing to scars and laceration in previous deliveries. It is also larger altogether, and softer, than in the primipara. The whole length of the neck at this stage is about two inches.